Softies!

The beginning of the book goes through material (fabric, filler, embroidery floss), sewing techniques, dealing with curves, takes you through a bunch of hand stitching and talks about how to use the patterns inside. The patterns are tucked neatly into a pocket in the back of the book.

Each project is photographed well, gives a list of materials and what stitches you’ll need to use and has hand drawn illustrations where they are needed as well as an artist bio. The project steps are laid out clearly and the finished size of each object is given. All of the projects are adorable and will have you longing to pull out some materials and thread. The projects are arranged from easy to difficult in the book. While many are made from that favorite material for softies, felt, there are a few which are crocheted, machine felted or needle felted, with instructions on those techinques as well. There is a list of resources in the back of the book including sources for materials and inpspiration.

The book is spiral bound so it’s easy to keep open in front of you as you work (a feature I love in craft and sewing books, and Chronicle Books is really great for making books like this). It also has an elastic loop to keep the book shut, and perhaps keep your place. The tone and photos are friendly while proving clear instruction.

And hooray!, I have three copies to give away! If you’d like one please leave a comment for this entry with your email address (which I’ll be able to see even though it won’t show up when published).

Small print: You have until noon on Wednesday, September 5th. I’ll use the random number generator to pick three people, whom I’ll contact via email. If I don’t hear back from one of the winners by Wednesday, September 19th I will choose another random number.

I love it!
I have never made a softie myself and have held off as I don’t want to make a mess of such cute creatures. A book with simple instructions that convinces me that I can do it, sounds perfect.

I, too, love this style book – *so* much more convenient than using pattern weights or whatever is on hand to keep the book open. That said, this book is on my Amazon wishlist and I’d love to be considered in the drawing.

This would be the perfect gift for the crafty daughter of a colleague – she’s a new big sister and might be feeling a bit overlooked at the moment with all the new baby gear flooding into the house. Sign me up!

Love your site…. and love cute softies… please put my name in the running for the book!
and yeah, i totally agree about chronicle books, so helpful to be able to have the book all the way open while you work. their stuff is great!

ooooh…i hope my number is random enough. i working w/ our art teacher to do a unit on soft sculpture with 8th graders. don’t i get extra points for being willing to work with 8th graders? :) this looks like a good resource.

BTW, I absolutely adore your blog. I’ve been reading it for like five years now, and with the exception of the knitting stuff (I am all thumbs when it comes to knitting), I find your links to be so fun, so useful, and so so so so so awesome. Thanks for putting together such an awesome blog!

Count me in!
I could do with some serious softie help!
Thanks for the review….it’s good to know what these books are really like from the perspective of a crafter…
I hope the knitting is going well, too!
Leah xx

Ohmigosh, you’re going to have over a thousand comments by this time next week! I actually just saw a copy of this book, did you find the layout just a teensy bit confusing? But I think the pattern envelope and elastic bookmark more than make up for that. Chronicle Books are the best!

I have to agree with you on craft books that have spiral binding — perfect for seeing the how-tos while you’re trying them out. Softies looks like a great book with lots of fab contributors. I’d love to win one. :-)

I feel bad for putting my hat into the ring since I have never commented on your blog! But, I do read it everyday! And, because of you, all the women in my family are receiving Baker’s Edge for Christmas! LoL

These look like perfect little things to make up for my students as fidgeters and gifts. Thanks for the review! Of course I’d like to be considered for the drawing, but I’ll find a way to get to one no matter what! Thanks again!

[…] I’ve been looking for more baby things to make and what perfect timing! I’ve seen it around a bit but Not Martha has a few copies to give away! It is softies! I love softies and the book has patterns by some well known bloggers. I’ve been collecting patterns for other baby items to make too. I asked Chris how hard he thought it would be for us to not buy things made in China, and we both figured it would be very hard. […]

oooh…i hope i am random enough to win. i am developing an art unit for 8th graders on soft sculpture. i like to have lots of books on hand for reference and ideas. this would be a great addition. remember, teachers are poor. :)